Annoyance & Hunger

I was called to greet the prince again the next day. Unlike the first time, the maid made sure to guide me to the location. The fear on her face was apparent - she was learning from the previous maid mistake. 

Before we reached the main hall, I could hear a woman giggling so happily. The maid was nervous while she stood at the doorway. She glanced at me with hesitation, I understood that behind the door was an intimate scene between the prince and his concubine.

We waited until the giggling stops before the maid tapped on the door. The servants opened the door as if expecting our arrival. I kept my expression calm and quietly entered without looking up. I learned never show any sorts of emotions. Emotions will only worsen the punishment. 

" Someone is on time "

One of the concubines spoke teasingly. I kept my silence until I heard someone yelp in pain. Glancing up, I saw the Prince on his feet with a beautiful woman on the floor at his feet. It looked like she just fell. 

" Why are you wearing the same clothes? "

 I didn't understand why the Prince wants me to come when it was obvious he didn't like seeing me. Does he get angry like this all the time? 

" Mei - Mei " another woman spoke half smirking - half scolding. " The marquis is a wealthy man and being his precious daughter, don't you have better clothes to wear? Or is it that you don't care for the Prince enough to pretty yourself up "

What can I say? That the clothes I wore was no different than when I was living with the Marquis. Unlike my sisters, I was never given beautiful dresses or accessories. 

" Leave. Seeing your face annoys me "

From beginning to end, I did not speak. Once they say what they needed to say, I bowed my head and left. That day, no one brought me my meal. I figured it was my punishment for making the Prince angry. Sitting by the window, I stared blankly out at the dark night sky, hoping that tomorrow the punishment would be lifted. 

I woke up restless and hungry . Sitting in bed, I wondered if someone will bring me food or will the punishment continue. When several maids unexpectedly entered my room, I was startled. Each maid held something in their hands - a tray of water and towel , a cup of hot tea, shoes, clothing, and even accessories. I had wondered if they came into the wrong room until one of the maids told me that they're there to serve me. 

After cleaning up and changing into the silk jade green dress, I sat at the vanity while the maids combed and styled my hair in braids. It felt strange but I kept silence. When they were done, I was told that the Prince is waiting at Main Hall for the morning meal. 

When I entered the dining hall, everyone was already sitting at the table. Again I saw the same group of 4 beautiful women sitting around the prince. Not wanting to anger him for my delay, I sat down in the available seat across him. I kept my eyes on the table while the servants brought in the dishes. While the women all fawning over the Prince, putting food in his bowl, I kept my eyes on his hands waiting for him pick up the chopstick. For a long time, his hand didn't lift from the table. Then the women asked if the food wasn't to his liking, the Prince didn't respond. 

When, it was clear that the Prince wasn't going to eat, one of the women ordered the servants to clear the table. Additional orders were made for the cook to be punished for displeasing the Prince. All a while, I held onto my stomach that hurting from the emptiness. 

That morning, I returned to my living quarters without food. The day passed slowly, and again, no meal were brought. For me, the worst type of punishment had always been denying me food. 

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